rickrwh wrote:Now it will be put up or shut up time for BMW. The learning years are over.
They will have a rider way capable of consistently winning races (recent races, unlike Corser ) so if we get a Rossi/Ducati situation with Melandri then I guess it really is the bike.
The Ducati privateer team did very well with Carlos Checa (his run in Magny Cours was great) while the factory gets to save lots of money. May be a new Yamaha privateer will form in 2012?
Haslam and Melandri do fit the bill. Actually while BMW Italia tests Tony Elias, it can try out Eugene Laverty, the other Yamaha rider. He has done an excellent job in his first year. In the WSBK BMW riders have been consistently in the mid pack with some podium finish in 2011. 2012 look even more promising.
BTW Beemers have been competitive in the U.S., UK, France, and Italy in Superstock, Superbike, and endurance races. We'll get to watch more racing programs in 2012.
. Anyone selling a S1000RR?